Cowlitz County Sheriff endorses Mark Howie

To The Eagle:

Over the past couple of years it has been my pleasure to get to know your sheriff, Mark Howie. As the sheriff of Cowlitz County, I had several discussions with the late Jon Dearmore regarding whom he intended to appoint as his undersheriff. For a variety of reasons, he decided to bring in someone from an agency outside of the area, but who was a man who was making a home in Cathlamet. He was a man Jon trusted, a friend; he was Mark Howie.

On that black day last October when Jon chose to move on from this world, I had the opportunity to see just what Jon saw in Mark. As the tragedy unfolded, Mark Howie stepped up and showed me and this entire community, just what he was made of.

Over the hours, days and weeks to come, Sheriff Howie showed compassion, wisdom and strength. He made sure his agency was taken care of. He spoke candidly with each of them and with members of the community. He made every effort to establish a new normal for everyone involved, even through his own pain of tragically losing his close friend.

Since that time, I have had many opportunities to talk with, pray with and observe Sheriff Howie. We serve together on the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Narcotics Task Force board of directors. We are both active members of the Washington State Sheriff's Association and have worked through other community issues together.

Mark Howie came to Cathlamet and made a home. He invested in his community. He and his wife opened a business, they became active outside of the sheriff's office and participate regularly in community events.

I have grown a deep respect for Sheriff Howie. He, like all first-term sheriffs, has experienced some learning opportunities. Fatal flaws? I hardly think so. When I think of all that this man has experienced and dealt with over the past 11 months, I can do nothing but extend him grace though his experiences and admire his heart.

Most of all, I have grown to care for Sheriff Howie in a way that neighbors care for one another. I am there for him, the men and women of the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Wahkiakum County, the same as I know he and his agency, and even all of you folks, are there for us.

They have a name for the kind of man that Sheriff Howie is, it's friend.

Mark Nelson,Cowlitz County Sheriff, Longview